Don’t know if I should ask this question on this board. Has anyone appealed for more (music) merit-based aid and was successful? My total cost of attending my top choice school is about $7 K more than my second choice. I was wondering if it would be worth it to ask for more merit-based aid from my top choice school so that it will be more affordable. Any suggestions on how to go about it?
DD successfully appealed and although they did not match the other offer they came close enough to make a difference. . It helps if your other offer is on the same level school as the one you want to attend. Contact the music admission office and explain your circumstance. Let them know they are your first choice but finances are an issue.
My D successfully appealed her aid for both undergrad and grad school. The web sites of some schools- and I’m specifically thinking of CMU here- actually state that you should appeal your award if it makes a difference as to whether or not you can attend, and they ask you to cite awards you’ve received from other institutions.
I have four kids and did not even realize that appeals were possible until #3. For my third daughter, she appealed successfully both in undergrad and grad school, as well as for a small interim increase during undergrad. My fourth daughter made a successful appeal before accepting her undergrad school (I’m sure it was related to larger awards at comparable schools and her strongly stated preference for the school she eventually did attend), but was not able to increase her award with an interim appeal. I would advise you to check with the school about their appeals process (if there is one) and follow it precisely, which will probably mean getting your parents’ cooperation with financial documents.
D was unsuccessful in an appeal for undergrad and successful for grad.
I think your best chance is in the comparisons with other schools - as long as they are the same level of school. BUT regardless I think you should ask. As said above, start with the music admissions office.